Wednesday, 20 May 2026

Aceh Withdraws JKA Health Insurance Regulation After Public Criticism

AHMAD ZULFIKAR SAGALA - Wednesday, 20 May 2026 10:30
Aceh Withdraws JKA Health Insurance Regulation After Public Criticism
PHOTO: Adli Safwan
WALI NANGGROE LEADS COORDINATION MEETING: The Wali Nanggroe of Aceh, Tgk. Malik Mahmud Al Haytar, chairs a Forkopimda coordination meeting on the Aceh Health Insurance program (JKA) at the Wali Nanggroe residence in Banda Aceh on Tuesday, May 19, 2026.

BANDA ACEH | INDATANEWS.COM The Wali Nanggroe of Aceh, Tgk. Malik Mahmud Al Haytar, has called on the Aceh provincial government to provide a clear and direct explanation regarding the issuance of a governor's regulation on the Aceh Health Insurance Program (Jaminan Kesehatan Aceh/JKA). The request was made during a Forum for Regional Leadership Coordination (Forkopimda) meeting on the implementation and sustainability of the JKA program, held at the Wali Nanggroe official residence in Banda Aceh on Tuesday, May 19, 2026.

During the meeting, Malik Mahmud also requested a comprehensive report on the social and political impacts of the controversial regulation. He urged representatives from the Aceh Regional Police (Polda Aceh), the Aceh Regional Intelligence Agency (Kabinda Aceh), religious leaders, and academics to provide a thorough assessment of the situation.

He emphasized the importance of evaluating not only administrative aspects but also the broader implications for public trust and regional stability.

Read Also:
JKA REGULATION REPEALED DECISION: Aceh Governor Muzakir Manaf announces the revocation of the JKA regulation following an evaluation in Banda Aceh. (PHOTO: Adli Safwan)

Government Explains Data-Based Reform Approach

Aceh Provincial Secretary M. Nasir explained that the regulation was not intended to limit public access to healthcare services. Instead, it was designed to reorganize beneficiary data based on the national unified socio-economic database (DTSEN), as mandated by the central government.

Read Also:
"The purpose of this regulation is to restructure data based on DTSEN. These data standards are set by the President and must be followed by all institutions. Four provinces are also using the same reference," M. Nasir said.

He added that the Aceh government must also adjust its fiscal planning due to limited budget flexibility, as a significant portion of funds is earmarked and cannot be freely reallocated.

Aceh Government Repeals JKA Regulation

Following a comprehensive evaluation and policy review, Aceh Governor Muzakir Manaf has officially decided to revoke the JKA regulation. The provincial government is now preparing a new governor's regulation to replace the previous policy and formally conclude its implementation.

Read Also:
The decision comes amid increasing public and institutional criticism over the regulation's perceived impact on healthcare access and social conditions in Aceh.

JKA DATA ALIGNMENT WITH DTSEN: Aceh Provincial Secretary M. Nasir explains the adjustment of JKA beneficiary data based on the DTSEN database during a coordination meeting in Banda Aceh. (PHOTO: Adli Safwan)

Wali Nanggroe: Public Trust Must Be Preserved

Read Also:
The Wali Nanggroe stressed that the JKA issue is not merely an administrative or budgetary matter, but one closely tied to public trust in government institutions.

"JKA is not only a matter of financial administration. I hope all concerns are addressed, and that the government remains present to maintain regional stability and public confidence," Malik Mahmud said.

He also reflected on Aceh's long history of conflict and social challenges, ranging from colonial-era struggles against the Portuguese, Dutch, and Japanese, to internal conflicts during the DI/TII and GAM periods.

According to him, these historical experiences should serve as lessons to strengthen social cohesion through effective communication and people-centered governance. (IDNC)

Read Also:
REPORTER: Adli Safwan | EDITOR: Fik Sagala

SHARE:
 
Tags
 
Related
Aceh Withdraws JKA Regulation After Backlash, Plans Policy Overhaul
Student Protest in Banda Aceh Ends with Police Order After Dialogue Refusal
Aceh Marks 10 Years of Trans Kutaraja, Reaches 10 Million Passengers
Aceh Government Praises Peaceful Student Protests Over Health Insurance Policy Review
Healthy Lifestyle Through Recreational Sports, Aceh Secretary Calls for Public Movement Culture
First Aceh Hajj Group Departs for Mecca, Governor Emphasizes Purity of Heart
 
Comments